Looking After the Archivist: Reducing Risks of Secondary Trauma

This talk introduces the topic of trauma specifically in relation to archives and records work. It is designed to raise awareness of secondary trauma and its impacts amongst archivists and records managers. Key insights from empirical research that has been conducted within and outside of our field will be offered to introduce and define secondary trauma and how it relates to compassion fatigue, occupational stress, and occupationally driven instances of burnout. From these starting points, the talk will then introduce trauma-informed approaches that institutions can implement to better protect and support staff when they are working with potentially traumatic records and/or traumatised stakeholders.

Dr Anna Sexton (she/her) is an Associate Professor in Archives and Records Management at University College London. Her primary research interests are participatory, creative and trauma-informed approaches to archives and recordkeeping particularly in the context of health, mental health and social care. Her broader research interests include the intersections between ethics of care, affect and social justice across archives, recordkeeping, data management and cultural heritage contexts. Recent publications include: “Introducing the legacies and trajectories of trauma to the archival field.” Archival Science, Vol.25, 3 (2025) and (with Lauren Benton) “Long-term needs, long-term access? Major crime recordkeeping and the information needs of individuals bereaved by homicide.” Journal of Documentation Vol.81. No.1 (2025): 86-106. She is also Managing Editor of Archives and Records (Archives and Records Association UK /Taylor & Francis).

We will also hear from Irene O’Brien on how trauma impacts archivists and archive services. Dr O’Brien is the City Archivist with responsibility for managing the archives and records of Glasgow City Council. She has worked in Glasgow City Archives (formerly Strathclyde Regional Archives) since 1982. Irene chaired the Scottish Council on Archives from the inception of the organisation until September 2019. She formerly the Chair of the Society of Archivists, Scotland, and the Archivists of Scotland Local Authority Working Group, and also served on the UK Council of the Society of Archivists.

Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/looking-after-the-archivist-reducing-risks-of-secondary-trauma-tickets-1980621724896?aff=oddtdtcreator